The first Explorer rolled off the assembly line today at Ford's Sollers Elabuga Assembly Plant in the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia, marking the first time in the nameplate's 23-year long history that the full-size SUV is fully produced outside of the United States. All production at the Soller's plant is aimed at the Russian market.Ford noted that up until now, only knock-down versions of Explorer had been built anywhere outside of the U.S. And for those of you wondering, knock-down versions are partially assembled vehicles that are imported from one plant along with all the necessary parts, and assembled at another factory."Russia is on its way to being the largest market in Europe and presents an enormous opportunity for growth," said Ted Cannis, president and CEO of Ford Sollers. "We anticipate SUV sales to continue to grow as Russian customers prefer the image and performance these utility vehicles provide in severe weather and challenging road conditions."Ford said that it plans to hire an additional 500 employees to supplement the Sollers Elabuga plant’s existing 1,500 employees for the production of the Explorer.The company's Chicago plant will continue to produce Explorers for the U.S. and more than 60 other countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and in the coming weeks, in China as well.